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SERMON 

DELIVERED  IN 

JVORRIDGE1VOCK, 

JUNE  25,  1817 ; 


BEFORE  TQE 

-*  f-  . y p^F# 

MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 

AT  THEIR 

TENTH  ANNUAL  MEETING. 


BY  JOHN  W.  ELLIXGWOODv 

PASTOR  OF  THE  NORTH  CHURCH  IN  BATH. 


1IALL  O WELL  : 
PRINTED  BY  N.  CHEEVER.  • 


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JIT  a meeting  of  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  at 
.Yorridgewock,  June  25,  1817 — 

VOTED , That  Rev.  David  Thurston,  Rev.  William 
.Tenks,  and  the  Secretary,  be  a Committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev. 
John  W.  Ellingwood,  and  present  him  the  thanks  of  this  Society 
for  his  Sermon,  delivered  before  them  this  day  ; and  request  a copy 
for  publication. 

Attest, 

E.  GILLETj  Secretary. 

1VUWV \V\  V\  V V\  VVX  vww\  \ VWWWWWWWV*  % W W*  VV\ \W \W\W\AA  VWWWW 


S E II M O N. 


Matthew  ii.  11. 

iind  when  they  were  come  into  the  house , they  saw  the  young  child 
Ufitli  Mary  his  mother,  and  fell  down  and  worshipped  him  : avd 
when  they  had  opened  their  treasures,  they  presented  unto  hint 
gifts  ; gold,  cnid  frankincense,  and  myrrh. 

Who  the  Magians  or  wise  men  were,  to  whom  the  text  refers, 
we  are  not  particularly  informed.  Whether  they  were  partly,  or 
wholly  of  Jewish  extraction,  or  whether  they  were  purely  Gentile 
philosophers,  or  religionists,  is,  perhaps,  not  material  to  ascertain. 
But  whoever  they  were,  they  received,  and  probably  by  special  reve- 
lation, a knowledge  of  the  Messiah’s  birth  and  character.  Guided  by 
a meteor,  or  luminous  appearance  in  the  air,  they  left  the  East  and 
came  to  Judea,  bearing  as  an  offering  to  the  infant  Savior,  the  rich- 
est productions  of  their  country.  Before  they  arrived  at  Jerusalem, 
however,  the  star  or  meteor  disappeared  ; and  they  entered  the 
city,  publicly  inquiring  for  Him,  who  was  “ born  king  of  the  Jews,” 
declaring  that  they  had  “ seen  his  star  in  the  east ; and  were  come 
to  worship  him.”  But  instead  of  obtaining  a ready,  and  minute 
answer  to  their  inquiry,  they  soon  perceived  that  they  were  relating 
news,  at  which  the  king  “ was  troubled,  and  all  Jerusalem  with 
him.”  They  found  none,  in  the  holy  city  itself,  who  knew  any 
thing  of  the  birth  of  their  Savior  and  King.  All  the  information  they 
could  obtain,  even  with  the  assistance  of  “ the  chief  priests  and 
scribes,”  was,  that  “ Bethlehem  of  Judea,”  was  pointed  out  by  the 
ancient  prophets,  as  the  place  of  his  future  birth.  However  disap- 
pointed and  perplexed  they  might  be,  their  faith  failed  not.  Imme 
diately  they  left  Jerusalem,  and  set  their  faces  toward  Bethlehem. 
Their  friendly  star  or  light  once  more  appeared  ; and  going  before, 
**  stood  over  where  the  young  child  was.  When  they  saw  the  star, 


they  rejoiced  with  exceeding  great  joy.  And  when  they  were 
come  into  the  house,  they  saw  the  young  child  with  Mary  hi& 
mother,  and  fell  down  and  worshipped  him  : and  when  they  had 
opened  their  treasures,  they  presented  unto  him  gifts ; gold,  and 
frankincense,  and  myrrh.” 

We  are  now  assembled,  my  brethren,  not  indeed  in  the  house 
where  Christ  was  born,  but  in  one  dedicated  to  his  service  ; and  in 
which,  w'e  trust,  he  condescends  to  dwell.  As  we  have  come  up 
hither,  professedly  to  worship  his  name,  and  present  him  our  offer- 
ings, the  words  just  read,  may  furnish  an  appropriate  subject  for  our 
meditations.  They  suggest  the  sentiment,  that 

Nothing  is  too  precious  to  be  given  to  Christ. 

In  iliastrating,  and  applying  this  sentiment,  it  is  proposed, 

I.  To  inquire  how  any  thing  may  now  be  given  to  the  Lord  JesuS 
Christ. 

II.  Mention  several  things  in  particular,  which  we  arc  bound  to 
give  Him, 

III.  Suggest  several  considerations,  which  show  that  nothing  is 
too  precious,  to  be  thus  appropriated. 

I.  Then,  how  may  any  thing,  now,  be  given  to  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  ? 

When  our  Divine  Lord  was  in  the  flesh  his  friends  might  ap- 
proach his  person  and  bestow  their  favors  upon  him.  The  wise 
men  could  open  their  treasures  directly  before  him,  and  lay  their 
offerings  at  his  feet.  But  in  this  way  nothing  can  now  he  given 
him.  For  though  “ he  was  made  flesh  and  dwelt  among  us,”  yet 
his  stay  in  this  world  was  short.  Long  since,  he  “ ascended  up 
where  he  was  before,”  and  no  mortal  eye  can  see  him,  nor  can  any 
mortal  hand  minister  directly  unto  him.  Still  however  there  are 
ways  in  which  we  may  present  him  our  offerings.  And 

1.  Whatever  is  appropriated,  for  the  benefit  of  the  friends  of 
Christ,  because  they  are  such,  may  be  considered  as  given  to  him. 

The  world,  in  which  we  live,  is  hostile  to  the  character,  and 
kingdom  of  Christ.  Although  he  is  their  rightful  Lord,  yet  all,  by 
nature,  are  in  rebellion  against  him.  By  the  power  and  “ sword 
of  the  Spirit,”  however,  the  opposition  of  some  has  been  slain. 


5 


Their  armor  in  which  they  trusted,  has  been  taken  away  ; and  they 
have  surrendered  themselves  to  Christ.  From  enemies  they  have 
become  friends.  They  espouse  his  cause  : they  seek  his  glory. 
For  these  persons  the  Savior  has  strong  affection.  He  acknowl- 
edges and  treats  them  as  children.  So  closely  are  they  united  to 
him,  that  he  considers  them  as  a part  of  himself.  “ I am  the  vine,” 
said  he,  “ ye  are  the  branches.” 

Being  thus  connected  with  Christ,  whatever  treatment  they  re- 
oeive,  as  his  friends,  he  views  as  received  by  himself.  According- 
ly, addressing  his  disciples,  he  6ays,  “ lie  that  recciveth  you,  re- 
ceiveth  me,  and  he  that  despiseth  you,  despiseth  me  : and  whosoev- 
er shall  give  you  a cup  of  water  to  drink,  in  my  name,  because  ye 
belong  to  Christ,  verily  I say  unto  you,  he  shall  not  lose  his  reward.” 
He  therefore,  who  appropriates  any  thing  to  relieve  the  wants,  or 
promote  the  happiness  of  believers,  as  such,  is  considered  as  giving 
just  so  much  to  Christ  himself ; whether  it  be  of  personal  service, 
or  worldly  substance.  Hence  our  Lord,  speaking  of  the  final 
judgment,  informs  us,  that  he  will  acknowledge  those  on  his  right 
hand,  as  having  ministered  to  his  necessities,  when  he  was  “ hun- 
gry,” and  “ thirsty,”  “ a stranger,”  “ sick  and  in  prison  and 
that  he  will  say  to  them  expressly  : “ Verily  I say  unto  you,  in  as 
much  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren, 
ye  have  done  it  unto  me.” 

2.  Whatever  is  appropriated  for  the  advancement  of  Christ’s 
kingdom  in  this  world,  is  given  to  Him. 

Christ  has  a kingdom  among  men,  although,  as  himself  declared, 
it  “ is  not  of  this  world.”  Though  small  and  feeble,  in  its  begin- 
ning, it  is  destined  to  become  great  and  mighty.  It  is  the  “ grain 
of  mustard  seed,  which  grew,  and  waxed  a great  tree,  so  that  the 
fowls  of  the  air  lodged  in  the  branches  of  it.”  It  is  the  “ leaven, 
hid  in  three  measures  of  meal,  till  the  whole  was  leavened.”  It  is 
the  “ stone,  cut  out  of  the  mountain  w ithout  hands,”  which  “ be- 
came a great  mountain,  and  filled  the  whole  earth.”  It  is  that, 
which  was  spoken  of  by  Daniel  the  prophet,  when,  after  describing 
certain  monarchs  and  kingdoms,  he  says : “ In  the  days  of  these 
kings,  shall  the  God  of  heaven  set  up  a kingdom,  which  shall  never 
be  destroyed  ; and  the  kingdom  shall  not  be  left  to  other  people, 
but  it  shall  break  in  pieces,  and  consume  all  these  kingdoms  ; and  it 
shall  stand  forever.”  Such,  my  hearers,  is  the  kingdom  of  Christ 


6 


it  is  & spiritual,  a holy,  and  an  everlasting  kingdom.  It  19  begun  in 
time,  and  will  be  finishjed  in  eternity.  Its  subjects  are  true  belie- 
vers, and  the  divine  testimonies  are  its  laws.  Under  the  govern, 
ment  of  him,  who  is  the  “ Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth,”  and  in 
whom  are  the  energies  ^f  Omnipotence,  it  will  continue  to  increase, 
till  “ all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him,  and  all  nations  shall 
serve  him.” 

As  all  are  born  subjects  of  the  kingdom  of  darkness,  it  is  obvious, 
that  there  is  no  way  of  increasing  the  numbers  of  the  kingdom  of 
light,  but  by  drawing  men  off  from  their  allegiance  to  the  “ rulers 
of  the  darkness  of  this  world.”  This  work,  it  is  divinely  deter- 
mined, shall  be  accomplished,  by  presenting  the  truth  to  the  minds 
of  men  ; for  “ it  hath  pleased  God,  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching, 
to  save  them  that  believe.”  Accordingly,  when  our  Lord  was  about 
to  ascend  to  heaven,  he  gave  to  his  disciples  this  extensive  com- 
mand : “ Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every 
creature.”  This  command  will  be  binding  on  all  believers,  till  eve- 
ry creature  has,  once  at  least,  heard  the  Gospel.  To  this  end,  min- 
isters arc  bound  to  contribute  their  exertions.  For  this,  they  must 
renounce  the  world.  Its  cares,  its  business,  and  its  hopes,  must  be 
in  a good  degree  relinquished.  The  command  of  Christ  to  them  is : 
i:  Let  the  dead  bury  their  dead  ; but  go  thou  and  preach  the  king- 
dom of  God.”  They  must  declare  to  the  impenitent,  the  native 
deformity  of  their  characters,  and  the  guilt  and  danger  of  their 
state.  They  must  describe  to  them,  the  misery  of  being  in  the 
kingdom  of  Satan,  and  the  only  way,  by  which  they  can  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God.  They  must,  if  possible,  make  them  feel  their 
“ bonds  of  iniquity,”  and  sigh,  and  cry  for  deliverance.  To  rescue 
men  from  the  “ power  of  darkness,”  and  to  “ translate  them  into 
the  kingdom  of  God’s  dear  Son,”  should  be  their  great  aim.  For 
this,  they  should  pray,  and  exhort,  and  preach.  And  whoever  thus 
attempts  to  build  up  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  is  viewed  as  laboring 
fer  him.  Accordingly  wc  find  him  saying  to  his  ministers  : “ He 
that  heareth  you  heareth  me.” 

And  while  ministers  are  devoting  their  strength  and  lives  to 
preaching  the  word,  others  must  supply  their  temporal  wants  ; for 
“ Who,”  saith  the  Apostle,  speaking  of  ministerial  support, u who  go- 
eth  a warfare,  any  time,  at  his  own  charges  ?”  And  whoever  rightly 
contributes  for  this  purpose,  as  really  engages  in  advancing  the 


kingdom  of  Christ,  as  he,  who  is  thereby  enabled  to  communicate 
the  word  of  life.  Such  appropriations,  he  considers  as  made  to 
himself.  When  Paul  was  a missionary  at  Corinth,  the  brethren  at 
Philippi  contributed  to  his  support : and  he  declares  that  their  con- 
tribution was  “ an  odour  of  a sweet  sine  11,  a sacrifice  acceptable, 
well  pleasing  to  God/’ 

II.  I am  to  mention  several  things,  in  particular,  which  should  be 
2-iven  to  Christ. 

1.  Our  supreme  love  should  be  given  to  him. 

“ The  first  and  great  commandment”  is,  u thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God,  with  alTthy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with 
all  thy  mind.”  None  can  doubt  that  supreme  love  is  here  requir- 
ed. But  it  is  the  divine  will,  “ that  all  naen  should  honor  the  Son, 
even  as  they  honor  the  Father.”  The  Son,  therefore,  is  to  receive 
our  supreme  love,  as  one  with  the  Father.  In  our  affections,  he  can 
accept  no  subordinate  place  ; for  the  throne  of  our  hearts  belongs  to 
him.  “ If  any  man,”  said  an  apostle,  u love  not  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  let  him  be  anathema,  maran-atha.”  As  the  u chiefest 
among  ten  thousand,”  w’e  should  esteem  him  : In  our  love  no  crea- 
ture must  be  his  rival.  Without  this  affection,  it  is  in  vain  to  pre- 
tend that  we  are  liis  disciples,  or  to  hope  for  salvation  from  him. 
We  may  as  well  speak  of  living  beings  without  life,  as  of  Christians 
without  supreme  love  to  Christ.  So  essential  is  this  love,  that  no 
other  attainment  can  supply  its  place.  Knowledge,  faith,  and  zeal 
are  nothing  without  it.  The  Savior  says.,  “ If  any  man  come  to 
me,  and  hate  not  his  father,  and  mother,  and  wife,  and  children, 
and  brethren,  and  sisters,”  “ he  cannot  be  my  disciple.”  So  ardent 
must  be  our  love  to  him,  that  our  love  for  earthly  friends,  when 
compared  with  it,  should  be  as  hatred.  All,  w ho  have  heard  of  his 
name,  should  be  able  to  say  of  him,  with  truth,  This  is  he,  “ whom 
my  soul  loveth .” 

2.  Our  personal  endowments,  both  of  body  and  mind,  should  be 
devoted  to  Christ. 

He,  who  rightly  considers  himself,  will  be  constrained  to  ack- 
nowledge, that  he  is  “ fearfully  and  wonderfully  made.”  Both  our 
mental  and  corporeal  parts,  are  richly  endowed  by  the  hand  of  God. 
The  limbs  of  our  bodies,  and  the  faculties  of  our  minds,  are  wisely 
adapted  to  the  most  important  purposes  ; and  if  wisely  employed, 
may  render  us  highly  and  extensively  useful.  They  are  talents, 


8 


committed  to  our  hands,  for  which  we  must  accouut  with  our  great 
Benefactor  ; and  to  his  service  they  should  all  be  devoted.  That 
health  and  strength  of  body,  which  are  so  much  prized,  we  are  bound 
to  employ  in  the  service  of  our  common  Lord.  We  should  lay 
them  out  to  the  glory  of  his  name,  and  the  promotion  of  his  cause. 

Our  feet  should  “ run  in  the  way  of  his  commandments.”  Our 
hands  should  perform  the  works,  which  he  requires.  Our  tongues 
should  be  employed  in  his  praise. 

Our  mental  faculties  and  improvements,  also,  must  be  no  less  de- 
voted to  him.  Whatever  of  original  strength  and  ingenuity,  or  ac- 
quired vigor  and  acuteness  of  mind,  any  possess,  they  are  bound  to 
consecrate  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Nothing,  of  all  our  personal 
endowments,  can  be  rightfully  withheld.  We  must  bring  the  whole 
to  him,  as  a living  sacrifice  ; and  thus  glorify  him,  with  our  bodies 
and  spirits  which  are  his. 

3.  Our  worldly  substance  should  be  given  to  Christ. 

Devoting  our  worldly  substance  to  Christ,  does  not  suppose  that 
we  put  it  all  out  of  our  power,  by  bestowing  it  upon  the  poor,  or  giv- 
ing it  to  the  support  of  religious  establishments  ; for  every  one  is 
bound  to  provide  “ for  his  own,  and  specially  for  those  of  his  own 
house.”  Nor,  on  the  contrary,  does  the  passage  of  scripture  here 
referred  to,  require  that  men  should  hoard  their  surplus  property, 
for  the  benefit  of  their  families,  to  the  neglect  of  the  needy,  either 
of  “ the  household  of  faith,”  or  of  “ them  that  are  without.”  Many, 
however,  affect  to  be  much  afraid,  that  contributing  to  charitable  ij 

purposes,  would  expose  them  to  be  ranked  with  him,  who  “ hath 
denied  the  faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  infidel  ;”  who  yet  are  not 
greatly  distressed,  through  fear  that  they  shall  “ rob  God,”  by  with- 
holding “ tithes  and  offerings.”  If  that  narrow,  selfish  spirit, 
which  possesses  most  men,  could  be  cast  out,  they  would  find,  com- 
paratively, little  difficulty  in  ascertaining,  when  they  should  give, 
and  when  withhold.  The  truth  is,  they  are  bound  to  appropriate 
their  earthly  possessions,  just  as  the  interest  of  Christ’s  kingdom 
and  cause  requires.  For  this  purpose  they  were  given.  And  there 
are  few,  very  few  of  whom  the  cause  of  Christ  requires  nothing,  for 
charitable  purposes.  Of  many  it  requires  much,  who  yet  give  noth- 
ing, or  next  to  nothing. 

It  has  long  been  a custom,  in  oriental  countries,  to  approach 
kings,  and  great  men  with  gifts.  In  conformity  with  this  practice, 


9 


the  wise  men  approached  the  Messiah  with  rich  presents.  Of  the 
greatness  and  excellence  of  his  character,  they  seem  to  have  been 
divinely  apprised  ; and  there  is  reason  to  believe,  they  were  not 
destitute  of  saving  faith.  Their  long  and  expensive  journey  from 
the  east ; their  persevering  exertions  to  find  the  Savior ; their 
joy  when  they  found  him:  their  readiness  to  worship  him,  not- 
withstanding his  unpromising  and  even  mean  appearance  ; the 
value  of  the  gifts,  which  they  presented  him;  and  their  obedience 
to  the  warnings  of  God,  in  returning  a different  way,  from  that  di- 
rected by  Herod  ; arc  circumstances  in  favor  of  the  supposition, 
that  their  souls,  as  well  as  their  treasures,  were  given  to  Christ. 

The  example  of  the  Magians  is  worthy  of  our  imitation.  W e 
ought  not  to  approach  him,  empty-handed.  Our  worldly  substance 
should  be  held  at  his  disposal ; and  appropriated  just  as  is  pleasing 
to  him.  This  would  be  giving  the  whole  to  him,  while  a portion  of 
it  might  still  remain  in  our  possession.  Although  he  allows  us  to 
provide  for  our  own,  we  must  not  forget  others.  The  needy,  and 
“ he  that  hath  none  to  help  him,”  must  be  remembered.  “ lie  that, 
honoreth  his  Maker,  hath  mercy  on  the  poor.”  To  the  poor,  we 
may  show  mercy,  by  relieving  not  only  their  temporal,  but  their 
spiritual  wants.  This  may  be  done  directly  or  indirectly.  We 
may  support  religious  instructors,  already  qualified  to  teach  them  ; 
or  may  educate  those,  who  in  future  time  shall  engage  in  the  great 
work.  In  this  way,  we  may  cause  the  Gospel  to  be  preached  to 
the  poor;  and  give  our  property  to  Christ.  In  this  way,  comfort 
may  be  administered  to  his  friends,  souls  added  to  his  kingdom, 
and  glory  brought  to  his  name.  And  in  what  way  can  a portion  of 
our  substance  be  better  spent?  “ Rather,”  says  an  eloquent  writer, 
“ rather  would  I meet  on  the  hill  of  Zion,  one,  to  whose  arrival 
there  I had  the  felicity  in  the  smallest  degree  to  contribute,  than  be 
the  possessor  here  of  hoarded  or  funded  millions.” 

By  the  offerings  of  the  wise  men,  the  holy  family  were  probably 
supported,  during  their  flight  from  Herod,  and  while  in  Egypt.  By 
our  offerings  also,  individuals  of  Christ’s  family  may  be  provided 
with  living  bread,  in  those  places  where  they  are  surrounded  with 
tiie  darkness  of  spiritual  Egypt ; and  the  latter  is  no  less  a gift  to 
Christ,  than  the  former.  If  those  were  the  “ messengers  of  Christ, 
and  the  glory  of  the  churches,”  who  carried  the  bounty  of  believers, 
to  relieve  the  temporal  wants  of  their  brethren  ; much  more  may 


10 


they  be  thus  considered,  who  carry  the  means  of  relieving  the  spir- 
itruil  wants  of  Christians,  and  of  souls  “ ready  to  perish.” 

4.  Our  friends  should  be  given  to  Christ. 

The  poet  has  well  said,  “ Poor  is  the  friendless  master  of  a 
world.”  Friends  are  among  the  richest  gifts,  that  “ come  down 
from  the  Father  of  lights.”  By  them,  the  unavoidable  sorrows  of 
life  may  be  diminished,  and  its  joys  increased.  Friends  may  cheer 
our  desponding  hearts,  and  wipe  the  tears  from  our  eyes.  Their 
superior  value  over  other  earthly  blessings,  may  be  seen  by  the 
readiness,  with  which  men  sacrifice  almost  every  thing  for  their 
benefit.  Instances  have  b£en  found,  in  which  a man  would  even 
u lay  down  his  life  for  his  friend.”  But  precious  as  our  friends  are, 
they  should  be  devoted  to  the  Savior.  If  his  cause  requires,  we 
must  be  willing  to  forego  their  society,  and  all  the  endearing  otfices 
of  kindness  and  love.  We  must,  at  the  call  of  his  Provideuce, 
yield  them  up  to  labor,  or  suffering,  or  death.  “ If  any  man,”  says 
he,  “ love  father  or  mother  more  than  me,  he  is  not  worthy  of  me. 
If  any  man  love  son  or  daughter  more  than  me,  he  is  not  worthy 
of  me.” 

If  our  parents  or  children,  our  brothers  or  sisters,  our  neighbors 
or  companions,  can  better  serve  the  Great  Redeemer,  by  being  re- 
moved from  us  to  however  great  distance,  we  must  not  object.  If 
his  cause  needs  them  as  missionaries,  or  printers,  or  instructors  of 
youth  in  the  ends  of  the  earth,  we  should  by  yielding  a cordial  con- 
sent, give  them  to  him.  In  this  way,  churches  should  devote  their 
members  to  the  service  of  their  Lord.  No  member  is  too  valuable 
to  be  given  up,  if  he  can  do  more  fomthe  kingdom  of  Christ  in  an- 
other station.  The  youth  of  our  churches  should  be  held  as  devo- 
ted ; and  if  needed  in  the  special  service  of  the  Head  of  the  Church, 
must  not  only  be  relinquished,  but  assisted  in  preparing  for  their 
work. 

5.  We  should  give  our  lives  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Short  as  life  is,  it  is  long  enough  to  secure  its  great  end.  And  if 
diligently  improved,  it  is,  ordinarily,  long  enough  for  much  active 
service  in  the  cause  of  benevolence.  “ To  do  good  and  to  commu- 
nicate, forget  not;  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased.” 
Whoever  obeys  this  command  serves  Christ ; and  in  his  benevolent 
service  our  lives  should  be  spent. 

Ministers,  especially,  being  “ ambassadors  for  Christ,”  must  be 


11 


engaged  for  him.  Like  the  apostle,  they  must  determine  to  “ know 
nothing”  among  tlieir  people,  “ save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucifi- 
ed.” In  advancing  his  cause,  they  must  not  count  their  lives  dear 
unto  themselves. 

The  daily  prayer,  not  only  of  ministers,  bat  of  every  man  should 
be  ; “ Lord  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?”  The  service  of  Christ 
ought  to  be  their  constant  service.  Not  th..„  they  should  spend 
their  whole  time  in  what  are  usually  termed  religious  duties.  This 
would  be  contrary  to  his  will ; for  he  requires  other  kinds  of  ser- 
vice. lly  giving  our  lives  to  Christ,  I mean,  that  we  spend  them 
in  the  way  which  lie  directs.  Every  day  should  have  reference  to 
his  cause. 

By  many,  indeed,  one  day  in  seven,  devoted  to  Christ,  is  viewed 
as  quite  suilicieut.  More  than  this,  they  consider  as  little,  if  any, 
short  of  violating  the  command,  which  saith  : “ Six  days  shalt  thou 
labor,  and  do  all  thy  work.”  If  they  can  avoid  immorality  during 
the  week,  and  spend  their  sabbaths  in  the  formalities  of  religion, 
whether  they  ever  have  fervor  enough,  to  keep  their  hearts  from 
freezing  or  not,  they  esteem  themselves  bv  no  means  wanting  in 
piety.  But  whatever  are  the  feelings  or  views  of  such  men,  aud  al- 
though, it  is  confessed,  we  are  not  to  be  all  our  time  engaged  in 
what  are  commonly  called  religious  duties,  yet  religion  should  be, 
in  an  important  sense,  the  business  of  every  day.  “ If  any  man 
will  come  after  me,”  said  Christ,  “ let  him  deny  himself ; and  take 
up  his  cross  daily , and  follow  me.”  As  soon  as  men  are  capable  of 
doing  any  thing  for  him,  they  are  required  to  enter  his  service,  and 
continue  to  work,  till  their  eyes  become  dim,  and  their  limbs  feeble 
in  death;  and  then,  like  the  dying  martyr,  they  should  commend 
their  departing  spirit  to  his  hands  that  they  may  serve  him  forever 
in  a better  world.  This  would  be  following  in  the  steps  of  Him, 
who  even  in  childhood,  felt  that  he  “ must  be  about  his  Father’s  bu- 
siness;” who  esteemed  it  his  “meat  and  drink,  to  do  the  will  of 
him  that  sent  him ;”  and  who  never  allowed  himself  to  say,  respect- 
ing his  work,  “ it  is  finished,”  till  “ he  bowed  his  head”  in  death. 

And  not  only  are  we  bound  to  spend  our  lives  in  the  service  of 
Christ ; but  if  the  good  of  his  kingdom,  and  honor  of  his  name  re- 
quire, w e must  be  willing  to  yield  up  life  itself.  “ I am  ready,”  said 
an  apostle,  “ not  to  be  bound  only,  but  also  to  die  at  Jerusalem  for 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesu*.”  And  this  is  the  spirit,  which  every 


12 


one  should  possess.  Life  must  be  freely  relinquished,  when  it 
comes  in  competition  with  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  “If  any  man 
come  unto  me,”  said  the  Savior,  “ and  hate  not  his  own  life,  he  can- 
not be  my  disciple.” 

6.  Our  souls  should  be  given  to  Christ. 

The  immediate  end  of  our  Lord?s  mission  to  this  world,  was  to 
prepare  the  way  for  saving  the  souls  of  men.  This  end  he  fully 
accomplished.  The  price  of  redemption  is  paid.  “All  things  are 
ready.”  He  now  stands  and  makes  proclamation  to  a dying  world, 
of  his  ability  to  save  ; and  declares  that  whosoever  “cometh  unto 
him,”  he  “ will  in  no  wise  cast  out.”  And  not  only  does  he  pro- 
claim his  grace,  and  invite  sinners  to  accept  it,  but  he  commands 
them.  He  commands  them  to  cast  themselves  upon  his  mercy. 
To  refuse,  is  death  ; for  it  is  the  unalterable  statute  of  his  kingdom  : 
“ He  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned.”  Thus  are  we  required 
to  put  our  trust  in  the  Son  of  God.  Our  very  souls  must  be  given 
to  him.  Great,  indeed,  is  the  confidence  necessary  to  this ; but 
such  confidence,  we  are  required  to  possess.  Yes,  our  souls,  with 
all  our  everlasting  interests,  must  be  confided  to  his  hands.  A 
voluntary,  unreserved,  and  unconditional  surrender  of  the  whole, 
must  be  made. 

Thus  it  appears,  that  our  supreme  love,  our  personal  endowments, 
our  worldly  substance,  our  friends,  our  lives,  and  our  souls,  should 
be  given  to  Christ.  In  a word,  upon  all  things,  which  we  possess, 
whether  they  relate  to  our  bodies  or  souls,  to  time  or  eternity,  we 
should  write,  in  living,  and  legible  characters;  “ Holiness  unto  the 
Lord.”  I proceed  now 

III.  To  bring  to  view  several  considerations,  which  show  that 
nothing,  we  possess,  is  too  precious  to  be  given  to  Christ. 

1.  This  is  evident  from  a consideration  of  his  character. 

He,  whose  star  was  seen  in  the  east,  is,  my  hearers,  unrivalled  in 
dignity  and  glory.  “ He  w-as  before  all  things  ; and  by  him  all 
things  consist.”  “ From  everlasting,  from  the  beginning,  or  ever 
the  earth  was,”  He  was  with  Jehovah,  “as  one  brought  up  with 
him.n  His  “ goings  forth,”  therefore,  “have  been  from  of  old, 
from  everlasting.”  By  an  ancient  prophet,  it  was  foretold,  that 
“ His  name  should  be  called  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  the  Mighty 
God,  the  Everlasting  Father,  the  Prince  of  Peace.”  By  an  apostle, 
it  is  declared,  respecting  him,  that  “ God  w as  manifest  in  the  flesh.”' 


13 


Ami  Jehovah  himself,  addressing  him,  says,  “ Thy  throne,  0 God, 
is  forever  and  ever ; a sceptre  of  righteousness  is  the  sceptre  of  thy 
Kingdom.”  He  is  also  divinely  declared,  to  he  “the  image  of  the 
invisible  God,”  yea,  even  the  brightness  of  flis  glory  and  the  ex- 
press image  of  Ilis  person.”  And,  “ being  in  the  form  of  God,  he 
thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God.” 

Suclt  being  his  character,  it  is  not  strange,  thatholy  and  intelligent 
men  openlv  offered  him  that  reverence,  which  should  be  given  to 
no  creature.  Mary,  Peter,  and  the  eleven  apostles  worshipped 
him.  The  martyr  Stephen  spent  his  expiring  breath,  in  giving  him 
that  homage,  which  could,  with  propriety,  be  offered  to  none,  but 
the  Great  Supreme.  So  universal  was  the  w orship  of  Christ  among 
early  believers,  that  an  inspired  epistle  has  this  striking  address  : 
“ Unto  the  Church  of  God,  which  is  at  Corinth,  with  all,  that 
in  every  place,  call  upon  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.”  The 
homage  and  love  of  the  faithful,  in  every  age,  have  been  freely  giv- 
en him.  And  he  is  worthy,  not  only  of  the  worship  of  men,  but  of 
angels.  So  excellent  is  his  person,  and  so  glorious  his  character, 
that  even  when  he  was  in  “ the  form  of  a servant,”  a decree  was 
promulged  in  heaven,  whose  language  is,  “ Let  all  the  angels 
of  God  worship  him.”  And  since  his  ascension  to  the  “ glory, 
which  he  had  with  the  Father,  before  the  world  was,”  he  has  been 
the  object  of  supreme  affection  and  worship,  among  holy  angels, 
and  glorified  men.  John,  who  had  a vision  of  the  heavenly  world, 
and  its  employments,  informs  us,  that  he  “ beheld  and  heard  the 
voice  of  many  angels  round  about  the  throne,  and  the  beasts,  and 
the  elders  : and  the  number  of  them  was  ten  thousand  times  ten 
thousand,  and  thousands  of  thousands,  saying  with  a ioud  voice, 
"Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and 
wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and  glory,  and  blessing.” 

If  kings,  and  great  men  in  the  east,  were  deemed  worthy  to  re- 
aeive  presents  and  gifts,  in  proportion  to  their  dignity,  what  gifts 
should  be  presented  to  him,  who  is  the  “ Blessed  and  only  Poten- 
tate, the  King  of  Kings,  and  Lord  of  Lords!”  If  his  character  is 
such,  that  among  angels  and  glorified  men  in  heaven,  he  is  worthy 
to  receive  “ power,  and  riches,  and  'honor,  and  glory,”  surely 
nothing  which  we  possess,  can  be  too  precious  to  be  laid  at  his  feet. 

£.  That  nothing,  which  we  possess,  is  too  precious  to  be  given  to 
Christ,  is  evident  from  the  consideration,  that  he  is  the  Proprietoi 
of  all  things. 


14 


That  Christ  is  the  Creator  of  the  universe,  is  sufficiently  evident. 
The  earth  with  all  its  blessings,  the  heavens  with  all  their  glories, 
came  from  his  forming  hand.  “ Without  him  was  not  any  thing 
made,  that  was  made.”  If  among  men,  he,  who  fabricates  any 
thing  with  his  own  hands,  and  of  his  own  materials,  is  the  sole  pro- 
prietor, as  it  respects  human  claims  ; how  perfect  must  be  the 
right,  which  Christ  has  to  the  universe  by  creation.  A claim  to  any 
thing,  founded  on  having  created  it,  is  the  highest  conceivable  claim. 
On  Ilim,  also,  all  things  depend  for  continuance  in  being.  Should 
he  withhold  his  support,  creation  would  sink  in  ruins.  An  apostle 
declares,  that  he  is  « upholding  all  things,  by  the  word  of  his  pow- 
er and  that,  “ by  him,  all  things  consist.” 

If  then,  the  universe  was  “ not  made  of  things  which  do  appear,” 
or,  in  other  words,  if  the  whole  was  made  of  nothing,  by  Christ,  and 
by  him  is  preserved,  then  all  things  belong  to  him.  He  is  their  great 
Proprietor.  “ By  him,”  says  the  apostle,  “ were  all  things  cre- 
ated, that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth, — whether  they  be 
thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers  : all  things  were 
created  by  him,  and  fur  him.”  Every  being,  therefore,  whether 
animate  or  inanimate,  rational  or  irrational,  is  his.  Angels  and 
men  are  his : the  heavens  and  the  earth  are  his.  Of  whatever  we  are 
in  any  sense  possessed,  he  is  the  rightful  owner.  Our  silver  and 
gold,  our  lives  and  friends,  our  bodies  and  souls,  are  his.  When, 
therefore,  we  devote  any  thing  to  him,  we  give  him  nothing  but 
what  was  his  own  before.  In  view  of  our  offerings,  presented  to 
him,  we  may  say  with  David  ; M All  things  come  of  thee  ; and  ot 
thine  own  have  we  given  thee.”  And  Surely  nothing,  which  is  al- 
ready, and  in  the  highest  sense  his,  can  be  too  precious  to  be  appro- 
priated to  his  service. 

3.  That  nothing,  which  we  possess,  is  too  precious  to  be  given  to 
Christ,  is  evident  from  a consideration  of  what  he  has  done  for  us. 

When  the  Jewish  ciders  desired  our  Lord  to  heal  the  centurion’s 
servant,  they  declared,  “ that  he  was  worthy  for  whom  he  should  do 
this  for,  said  they,  “ he  loveth  our  nation,  and  he  hath  built  us  a 
synagogue.”  If  there  was  any  force  in  this  argument,  how  strongly 
will  it  apply  in  the  case  before  us.  1 low  has  the  Savior  loved  our 
world  ! and  what  has  he  done  for  our  souls  ! His  benevolence  and 
power  gave  us  existence.  And,  from  the  moment  we  were  born, 
he  has  watched  over  us  with  more  than  a father’s  care.  He  haS 


15 


been  our  guide  by  day,  and  shield  by  night.  At  his  table  we  have 
been  fed  : from  bis  flocks  wc  have  been  clothed.  Through  help  ob- 
tained of  him,  we  continue  till  this  time,  “ witnessing  both  to  small 
and  great,”  that  his  goodness  is  unbounded. 

Had  lie  bestowed  upon  us  none  other  than  temporal  favors, 
our  obligations  to  him  would  still  be  neither  few,  nor  small.  But 
what  are  these,  when  compared  with  those  spiritual  blessings, 
presented  by  him,  which  “ eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither 
have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  !”  Our  race  was  ruined  ; but 
he  provided  for  their  restoration.  He  beheld  our  deplorable  state  ; 
and  his  heart  was  moved  within  him.  He  saw  us  under  the  curse 
of  the  law  ; and  that  we  might  be  delivered,  he  consented  to  be 
« made  a curse  for  us.”  He  saw  us  in  debt  ten  thousand  talents, 
with  nothing  to  pay  : he  paid  the  amount,  and  offers  to  cancel  the 
demand.  He  saw  us  in  spiritual  slavery,  holden  “ with  the  cords 
of  our  sins  :”  he  paid  our  ransom,  and  oilers  to  make  us  free.  He 
saw  us,  “ aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  strangers  to  the 
covenants  of  promise,  having  no  hope,  and  without  God  in  the 
world and  he  prepared  the  way  for  us,  to  become  “ fellow  citizens 
with  the  saints,  and  of  the  household  of  God.”  He  saw  us,  in  fine, 
polluted  by  sin,  and  loaded  with  guilt,  infinitely  removed  from 
God,  and  on  the  very  confines  of  hell,  with  no  eye  to  pity,  nor  arm 
to  save  ; and  he  procured,  and  let  down  to  us,  that  mysterious  in- 
strument of  deliverance,  the  “ top  whereof  reacheth  unto  heaven 
and  upon  it  he  sent  “ the  angels  of  God”  to  our  help,  that  we  might 
ascend  to  safety  and  glory. 

All  these  things  the  Savior  has  done  for  us,  and  at  no  cheap  rate. 
His  infinite  treasures  did  but  barely  defray  the  expense.  He 
stripped  himself,  that  he  might  load  us  with  favors.  “ Though  he 
was  rich,  for  our  sakes  he  became  poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty 
might  be  rich.”  Such  was  his  benevolent  affection  for  mankind, 
that  even  life  itself  was  not  too  dear,  to  be  surrendered  for  them. 
The  sacrifice  was  necessary  ; and  he  cheerfully  made  it.  He  “ gave 
his  back  to  the  smiters,  and  his  cheeks  to  them  that  plucked  off  the 
hair.”  He  presented  his  heart  to  the  spear  ; and  freely  poured  out 
his  blood  for  us.  My  hearers,  behold  these  amazing  works  ; and 
then  look  round  on  all  you  possess  ; and  ask  yourselves,  if  you  have 
any  thing  too  precious  to  be  devoted  to  his  honor,  or  spent  in  his, 
service  ? 


16 


4.  That  nothing  is  too  precious,  to  be  given  to  Christ,  is  evident, 
from  the  consideration,  that  whatever  is  thus  devoted  to  him,  he 
will  abundantly  repay. 

As  Christ  is  the  great  Proprietor  of  the  universe,  he  might  re- 
quire our  best  things  without  any  promise  of  remuneration.  But  he 
asks  for  nothing  on  this  condition.  He  directs  no  man  to  serve 
him  for  nought.  One  important  reason,  indeed,  why  be  ever  re- 
ceives men  into  his  service,  is,  that  he  may  gratify  his  benevolence, 
in  bestowing  upon  them  the  rewards  of  mercy.  Such  being  the 
fact,  he  will  not  permit  the  least  service  done  for  him,  to  go  unre- 
warded. Accordingly  we  find,  that  requisitions  of  sacrifices  and 
services,  are  sometimes  accompanied  with  a special  promise  of  re- 
payment. “ Honor  the  Lord  with  thy  substance,  and  with  the 
first  fruits  of  all  thine  increase  ; so  shall  thy  barns  be  filled  with  plen- 
ty, and  thy  presses  shall  burst  out  with  new  wine.”  “ He,  that 
hath  pity  upon  the  poor,  lendeth  to  the  Lord  ; and  that  which  he  bath 
given,  u'ill  he  pay  him  ogam.”  lie,  who  is  “ Heir  of  all  things,”  is 
certainly  able  to  repay  the  services  and  sacrifices  which  are  offered 
to  him  ; and  he  is  as  willing,  as  he  is  able.  Accordingly  we  find  him 
saying  ; “ Whosoever  shall  give  to  drink  unto  one  of  these  lit- 
tle ones,  a cup  of  cold  water  only,  in  the  name  of  a disciple,  verily 
I say  unto  you,  he  shall  in  no  wise  lose  his  reward.”  There  is  then, 
no  loss,  but  gain,  in  giving  our  most  precious  things  to  Christ.  lie, 
who  liberally  docs  it,  will  know  by  experience,  that  “ there  is,  that 
scattered),  and  yet  incrcaseth.”  This  is  invariably  true  of  those, 
who  in  any  way  contribute  to  Christ  and  his  cause.  When  the 
apostle  received  support  from  the  Philippians,  as  a missionary  at 
Thessalonica,  he  declares  that  he  desired  it  more  for  the  good  of  the 
contributors,  than  for  his  own  benefit.  “ Ye  sent,”  says  he,  “ once 
and  again,  to  my  necessity  ; not  because  I desire  a gift ; but  I de- 
sire fruit,  that  may  abound  to  your  account.”  And,  whatever  is  giv- 
en to  Christ,  will  be  fruit  of  this  description.  “ There  is  no  man,” 
saith  he,  “ that  hath  left  house,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or  father, 
or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for  my  sake,  and  the  Gos- 
pel’s ; but  shall  receive  an  hundred  fold  now  in  this  time  ; — and  in 
the  world  to  come,  eternal  life.”  lie,  therefore,  who  sincerely  de- 
votes his  precious  things  to  Christ,  vests  them  in  the  funds  of  heav- 
en, which  will  yield  him  an  hundred  fold  of  real  good,  even  in  this 
world,  and  procure  for  him  in  the  world  to  come,  “ an  inheritance, 
incorruptible,  undefiled,  and  thatfadeth  not  away.” 


17 


A few  reflections  will  now  conclude. 

1.  llow  erroneous  are  the  views  of  the  world  in  general,  respect- 
ing the  person  and  character  of  Christ. 

Our  subject  teaches  us  that  Christ  is  a great  and  glorious  being, 
whose  throne  is  “ higher  than  the  kings  of  the  earth,”  and  whose 
“ name  is  above  every  name.”  It  appears  that  he  is  worthy  of  the 
highest  services  and  honors,  which  either  men  or  angels  can  give. 
But,  in  regard  to  the  greater  part  of  the  world,  how  little  do  they 
think  either  of  Christ  or  his  kingdom ! While  the  rulers,  and  chief- 
tains of  this  world  are  sufficiently  honored,  and  their  names  exalted 
to  heaven ; He  to  whom  belongs  the  kingdom,  and  the  glory,  and 
the  honor ; and  upon  whose  shoulders  the  government  is  laid,  is 
disregarded. 

While  the  wise  men  devoutly  worshipped  the  Savior,  the  Jews 
in  general  revered  him  not.  While  the  eastern  sages,  whose  minds 
were  probably  illumined  by  a brighter  star  than  that  which  guided 
them  to  Bethlehem,  presented  their  offerings  to  the  infant  Savior  ; 
the  great  body  of  the  Jews  treated  him  as  their  fathers  did  their 
first  king : “ they  despised  him,  and  brought  him  no  presents.” 
While  the  Magians  from  a far  country,  inquired  diligently  for  him, 
and  found  him,  and  rejoiced  in  him ; those  among  whom  he  was 
born,  the  professed  friends  of  Jehovah,  were  ignorant  of  his  person 
and  character;  and  knew'  not,  indeed,  that  “ God  had  visited  his 
people.”  And  bow  like  this,  is  the  conduct  of  most  men,  in  this 
boasted  day  of  wisdom  and  goodness.  How  few  place  any  value 
on  the  kingdom  and  glory  of  Christ.  How  few,  indeed,  even  in 
this  Christian  land,  know  any  thing  of  him,  as  the  one  “ altogether 
lovely.” 

Let  a company  of  those  truly  wise  men,  in  whose  hearts  the 
“ day-star”  has  arisen,  come  from  Africa,  the  East-Indies,  or  the 
South-Sea  islands,  to  this  land  of  vision,  to  seek  the  Savior  ; and 
they  would,  probably,  be  as  much  astonished  at  the  prevailing  ig- 
Horance  respecting  Christ,  as  the  Magians  were  on  entering  Jerusa- 
lem. Let  these  Christian  pilgrims,  full  of  love  and  zeal  for  their 
Deliverer,  on  landing  in  this  country,  repair  to  our  Custom-houses, 
Houses  of  Exchange,  or  places  of  public  resort,  eagerly  inquir- 
ing for  the  Savior  ; and  they  would  find  few,  who  knew  any 
more  of  his  true  excellence,  than  the  Jews  of  whom  the  wise  men 
inquired,  did  of  their  kiDg.  They  Would  soon  find,  as  it  respects 


I 


IS 


any  correct  and  experimental  views  of  the  glory  of  Christ,  that  the 
minds  of  multitudes  are  enveloped  in  darkness,  as  impervious  as 
that  which  shrouds  the  heathen. 

He,  who  is  altogether  lovely,  has  in  fact,  in  the  eyes  of  most  men, 
“ no  form  nor  comeliness,”  and  “ no  beauty  that  they  should  desire 
him.”  They  see  not  his  glory : they  feel  not  his  love.  They 
have  no  proper  spiritual  conceptions,  either  of  his  person,  his  char- 
acter, or  his  work.  Instead  of  viewing  him  as  worthy  of  their  love, 
and  property,  and  talents,  and  friends,  and  lives,  and  souls,  they 
practically  esteem  him,  as  worthy  of  nothing.  Such  being  the  fact, 
if  our  subject  is  true,  how  lamentably,  and  it  is  to  be  feared,  fatally 
erroneous,  is  the  estimation,  in  which  Christ  is  held  by  the  greater 
part  of  mankind  ! Did  they  confess  the  truth,  their  language  would 
be,  “ He  was  despised,  and  ive  esteemed  him  not.” 

2.  How  criminally  deficient  are  most  men  in  regard  to  the  du- 
ties, which  they  owe  to  Christ. 

Is  it  true,  that  we  are  bound  to  give  so  much  to  him  as  this  dis- 
course supposes  ! Who  then  performs  his  duty  ? 

We  are  bound  to  give  him  our  supreme  love.  But,  in  view  of 
roost  men,  the  world  has  charms  more  captivating,  than  the  glory  of 
Christ.  “ They  love  the  creature  more  than  the  Creator.”  The 
vanities  of  life,  they  eagerly  pursue,  while  the  name  and  cause  of 
Christ  are  forgotten. 

Our  personal  endowments  should  be  given  to  Christ.  But  the 
world  in  general,  choose  to  devote  them  to  other  purposes.  Their 
health,  and  strength,  and  learning,  and  ingenuity,  and  all  their  va- 
rious powers,  which  should  be  employed  for  the  honor  of  him,  who 
gave  them,  are  spent  in  serving  sin. 

Our  property  should  be  given  to  Christ.  But  how  few  are  there 
who  bestow  it  upon  him  ? I ask  not  how  few  give  all  their  substance 
to  charitable  and  religious  purposes.  No  one  supposes,  that  this  is  now 
the  duty  of  any  man  ; though  all  should  appropriate  what  they  have, 
in  the  way  which  Christ  requires.  But  how  few  give  that  propor  - 
tion to  benevolent  purposes,  which  is  evidently  their  duty?  What 
multitudes  give  nothing  ? They  say,  we  have  nothing  to  give. 
“There  is  that  maketh  himself  poor,  yet  hath  great  riches.”  They 
have  property  for  every  other  purpose,  but  none  for  Christ.  Though 
he  has  given  and  done  so  much  for  them,  they  have  not  a dollar  to 
bestow  on  his  suffering  cause.  Or,  if  conscience  compels  therti  to 


19 


give  something,  it  is  so  much  less  than  he  requires,  that  they  have 
reason  for  shame  and  repentance,  even  in  view  of  their  oft'erings- 
They  seem  to  forget  that  the  “ silver  and  the  gold”  are  his  ; and 
that  “ the  Lord  loveth  a cheerful  giver.” 

We  are  bound  to  devote  our  friends  to  Christ.  But  how  many 
are  deficient  in  this  duty  ? Many  have  sons,  or  brothers,  or  near 
relatives,  who  if  consecrated  to  his  service,  might  do  much  for  the 
comfort  and  happiness  of  his  friends,  and  the  “ increase  of  his  king- 
dom.” But  they  cannot  spare  them.  They  need  their  company, 
and  are  not  willing  to  forego  its  pleasures.  Or,  it  may  be,  they 
have  calculated  much  on  their  pecuniary  assistance,  and  cannot 
give  them  up ; — as  if  they  had  stronger  claims  to  them,  than  he,  who 
created  them,  and  who  died  to  save  their  souls!  They  need  not 
their  service,  to  procure  for  them  either  the  necessaries,  or  com- 
forts of  life,  but  they  cannot  make  so  great  a sacrifice,  as  their  ex- 
pected profit.  They  know  not,  indeed,  but  God  may  in  judgment 
visit  these  friends  with  infirmity,  and  thus  deprive  them  of  their 
services.  This  however  they  do  not  expect ; and  substituting  gain 
for  godliness  they  hold  them  fast. 

And  how  many  churches  are  there,  who  have  members,  well  cal- 
culated, if  suitably  encouraged,  to  serve  Christas  his  ambassadors. 
But  the  church  to  which  they  belong,  cannot  feel  willing  to  relin- 
quish them.  Their  brethren  suppose,  perhaps,  that  their  assistance 
will  be  greatly  needed  in  healing  future  difficulties  ; or  performing 
future  services  in  the  church  to  which  they  belong.  Or,  if  God 
spare  their  lives,  and  give  them  the  means,  they  may  by  and 
by  do  much  toward  supporting  the  Gospel  in  the  town  where 
they  live.  For  the  church  to  yield  them  up,  will  but  increase  its 
own  burdens  ; and  besides,  in  such  a case,  the  remaining  members 
may  be  called  upon  to  contribute  something  to  their  support,  while 
preparing  for  their  future  work.  Or  it  may  be  that  leading  and  in 
fluential  individuals  are  proud  of  the  numbers  and  respectability  of 
their  church  ; and  cannot  bear  tlie  thought  of  relinquishing  then 
most  reputable  and  useful  members.  Or,  it  may  be,  they  are  so 
inattentive  to  the  general  interests  of  Zion,  that  they  think  little  of 
the  necessity  of  increasing  the  number  of  her  “Watchmen.” 
Possibly  the  minister,  ai  o,  if  weighed  in  the  balances  of  benev- 
olence, might  be  found  as  w nting,  as  his  church.  He  has  much  to 
do,  and  often  feels  ready  to  sink  under  his  burdens.  His  eye  has 


20 


far  some  tirne  been  fixed  on  certain  young  members  of  his  flock, 
who,  he  expects,  will  ere  long  greatly  assist  him.  Through  them, 
he  hopes  to  give  such  stability  to  his  church,  that,  in  future,  it  shall 
not  be  necessary,  as  hitherto,  to  spend  so  much  of  his  time  and 
strength  in  watchful  anxiety. 

Thousands  are  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge,  but  he  is  not  wil- 
ling to  relinquish  those,  who  might  administer  to  their  necessities, 
lie  is  ready  to  suggest,  that  they  may  do  much  good  in  their  pres- 
ent stations : that  we  need  good  merchants,  good  lawyers,  and  good 
mechanics,  as  well  as  good  ministers.  Although  he  has  been  ena- 
bled, heretofore,  to  bear  all  his  burdens  without  their  assistance, 
and  even  while  they  were  engaged  in  the  opposite  cause  ; yet  he  is 
afraid  lie  shall  not  be  able  to  do  it  in  future.  They  are  so  important 
in  their  present  situations,  that  he  knows  not  how  they  can  be 
spared.  He  feels,  as  he  thinks,  the  importance  of  having  more  la- 
borers, and  he  prays  the  “ Lord  of  the  harvest,’’  to  send  them  forth  ; 
but  he  hopes  they  may  be  found  in  other  churches,  rather  than  his 
own.  Ilis  prayer  is  : “ Send  I pray  thee  by  the  hand  of  him  whom 
thou  wilt  send  and  however  great  and  distressing  the  deficiency 
now  is,  he  trusts  that  candidates  enough  will  eventually  be  found, 
without  so  great  a sacrifice  on  his  part,  as  giving  up  the  youth  of  his 
flock.  These  pious  young  men,  it  is  true,  he  received  from  God, 
and  when,  perhaps,  he  little  expected  them  ; but  he  is  afraid  to  trust 
him  in  future.  He  forgets,  that  “ he  that  watereth  shall  be  water- 
ed also  himself.”  And,  was  it  not  for  the  sacredncss  of  his  charac- 
ter, one  would  think  he  had  begun  to  “ seek  his  own,  and  not  tho 
things  that  are  Jesus  Christ’s.” 

These  remarks  are  made,  not  because  it  is  supposed  that  every 
pious  youth  is  fit  to  become  an  “ ambassador  of  Christ,”  but  be- 
cause, as  is  believed,  there  arc  at  this  moment,  hundreds  of  suitable 
young  men  in  our  churches,  who  if  properly  encouraged  and  assist- 
ed, might  enter  the  Gospel  ministry  ; — hundreds,  who  if  not  posses- 
sed of  great  talents,  might  nevertheless  render  infinite  service  to 
the  cause  of  Christ.  Hut  they  are  withheld  by  selfishness,  or  pride, 
or  heedless  inattention  to  the  subject.  Thus  parents,  and  broth- 
ers, and  sisters,  and  churches,  and  ministers,  are,  it  is  believed, 
criminally  deficient,  in  withholding  their  friends  from  Christ.  They 
Hope,  indeed,  that  they  are  themselves  the  children  of  Abraham  ; 
but  O how  little  do  they  possess  of  that  faith,  which  the  patriarch 
had,  when  he  offered  up  his  only  son  for  a burnt-oftering  ! 


We  are  bound  to  give  our  lives  to  Christ ; but  how  few  perform 
the  duty  ? How  few,  feel  as  if  every  day  should  be  appropriated  to 
t*is  service  P How  few  are  prepared  to  “ spend  and  be  spent”  for 
him,  or  to  yield  up  their  lives  a sacrifice,  if  his  cause  require  ? On 
the  contrary,  how  many  devote  their  whole  probation  to  the  work  of 
sin.  That  life,  which  they  are  bound  by  a thousand  obligations,  to 
present  to  the  “ Prince  of  Life,”  they  give  to  the  god  of  this  world. 
Not  a day  do  they  ever  sincerely  and  properly  devote  to  him,  who 
spent  his  whole  life  for  them.  And  even  among  those,  who  profess 
attachment  to  his  cause,  how  few  give  their  lives  to  him  as  they 
ought  ? Where,  almost,  is  the  man,  whose  conduct  declares  to  the 
world,  that  he  is  not  his  own,  but  “ bought  with  a price  r” 

We  are  bound  to  give  our  souls  to  Christ.  But  much  the  greater 
part,  even  of  those  who  hear  the  Gospel,  utterly  refuse.  The  glo- 
ry of  his  character  is  presented  before  them.  His  claims  to  them, 
as  the  Proprietor  of  all  things,  ar  c brought  to  their  view.  The  be- 
nevolent and  astonishing  works,  which  he  lias  performed  for  their 
good,  are  clearly  and  faithfully  described.  And  his  ability  and 
willingness  to  repay  all  that  is  given  to  him,  are  again  and  again 
made  known.  But  they  see  not  his  glory  : they  feel  not  his  right 
over  them  : they  appreciate  not  his  benevolence  : they  believe 
not  his  promises  : they  have  no  true  confidence  in  his  name : 
they  are  consequently  unwilling  to  commit  their  souls  to  his  hands. 
Although  apprised  that  they  must  perish,  unless  they  comply  with 
his  requirement ; they  refuse.  They  seem  disposed  to  leave  their 
souls  any  where  else,  rather  than  at  his  disposal.  Thus  they  treat 
with  contempt  or  indifference,  the  character,  the  claims,  and  the 
salvation  of  Christ. 

In  these  ways,  do  the  greater  part  of  mankind  withhold  from 
him,  that,  which  is  his  due.  Instead  of  giving  him  all  they  have, 
they  give  him  little  or  nothing.  Did  they  possess  the  spirit  of  the 
wise  men,  how  different  would  the  state  of  the  world  be  ? And 
against  w hat  multitudes,  will  those  men  rise  up  in  judgment  in  the 
final  day,  and  condemn  them  ; because  they  came  from  a far  coun- 
try, to  present  their  worship  and  their  offerings  to  Christ ; while 
the  majority  of  those,  who  inhabit  Gospel  lands  w ithhold  both. 

S.  Our  duty  and  interest  are  mercifully  and  closely  connected. 

He,  who  feels  his  obligations,  and  gratefully  devotes  his  all  to 
Christ,  finds  even  here,  “joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.”  And  if 


there  was  no  other  reward,  than  this  present  peace,  and  satisfac- 
tion, such  persons  would  find  themselves  amply  repaid,  for  all  that 
they  ever  gave  to  the  cause  and  glory  of  Christ.  But  in  addition 
to  this,  lie  often  repays  them  in  kind.  On  him,  who  gives  supreme 
love,  he  bestows  love.  For  him,  who  devotes  his  friends,  he  raises 
up  more  friends.  To  him,  who  contributes  of  his  property,  he  cau- 
ses enlargement  of  property.  It  is,  indeed,  seriously  doubted, 
whether  any  person  was  ever  in  the  end, and  in  strictness  of  speech, 
poorer,  even  in  this  world,  in  consequence  of  bestowing  his  good 
things  on  the  cause  of  Christ.  Either  that  which  is  left  is  increas- 
ed, or  is  rendered  more  pruductive  of  happiness,  and  consequently 
more  valuable.  It  is,  in  general,  became  Christians  give  so  little 
to  the  cause  of  Christ,  that  they  have  so  little  to  give.  The  apostle, 
speaking  of  contributions  for  charitable  purposes,  says,  <c  Be,  that 
soweth  sparingly,  shall  reap  also  sparingly,  and  he,  that  sowetli 
bountifully,  shall  reap  also  bountifully.”  It  was  for  withholding 
temporal  support  from  religion,  that  the  Israelites  were  visited  with 
a scarcity  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth.  The  following  are  the  words 
of  Jehovah  himself:  “ Will  a man  rob  God  ? yet  ye  have  robbed 
me.  But  ye  say,  wherein  have  we  robbed  thee  ? In  tithes  and  of- 
ferings. Ye  are  cursed  with  a curse  ; for  ye  have  robbed  me,  even 
this  whole  nation.  Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  storehouse,  that 
there  may  be  meat  in  my  house,  and  prove  me  now  herewith,  saith 
the  Lord  of  Hosts,  if  I will  not  open  you  the  windows  of  heaven, 
and  pour  you  out  a blessing,  that  there  shall  not  be  room  to  receive 
it.  And  I will  rebuke  the  devourer  for  your  sakes,  and  he  shall  not 
destroy  the  fruits  of  your  ground.” 

Here  is  an  explicit  promise  of  temporal  blessings  to  those,  who 
honor  God  with  their  substance.  And  are  there  any  of  the  promi- 
ses of  God,  that  will  not  be  fulfilled  P “ Hath  he  said,  and  shall  he  not 
doit?”  He  calls  upon  his  people  to  prove  him,  and  see  if  he  will  not 
bless  them.  But,  alas,  how  many  have  so  little  faith,  that  they  will 
not  try  him.  Thus  “ they  withhold  more  than  is  meet,  but  it  tend- 
eth  to  poverty.”  It  is  then,  not  only  our  duty,  but  for  our  interest, 
to  give  our  best  things  to  Christ.  We  cannot  dispose  of  them  in 
any  other  way,  without  ruin.  If  we  give  them  to  the  world,  we 
shall  not  he  repaid.  The  world  is  not  able  to  pay  us.  “ For  what 
is  a man  profited,  if  he  gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  ow  n soul  ?” 
If  we  give  them  to  the  service  of  sin,  we  shall  not  be  repaid.  “ The 


23 


wages  of  siu  is  death.”  But  whatever  we  give  to  Christ  is  safe  : 
and  will  be  more  than  repaid,  especially  in  the  future  world.  The 
young  man  in  the  Gospel,  was  directed  by  our  Lord  himself,  to 
« give  to  the  poor,”  and  was  told  that  he  should  “ have  treasure 
in  heaven.”  And  “ treasure  in  heaven”  may  be  obtained  in  the 
same  way  now.  Our  duty  and  interest,  therefore,  are  closely  uni- 
ted. And  he,  who  thus  appropriates  his  precious  things,  is  truly 
wise.  Whatever  was  the  reason,  that  the  men  in  the  text  were 
called  wise,  they  certainly  acted  the  part  of  true  wisdom,  in  pre- 
senting to  the  Savior  their  worship,  and  their  gifts.  And  whoever 
walks  in  the  steps  of  such  wise  men,  will  be  wise. 

4.  How  thankfully,  and  promptly,  should  we  embrace  the  nume- 
rous opportunities  we  possess,  of  presenting  our  precious  things  to 
Christ. 

Life  is  one  continued  opportunity  of  giving  him  our  supreme 
love  ; and  this  should  every  day  be  joyfully  improved.  The  same 
may  be  said  in  regard  to  our  souls. 

There  are,  also,  many  opportunities  of  giving  our  friends  to  him, 
and  especially  such  as  may  become  his  ambassadors.  Thousands 
of  ministers  are  now  needed,  to  preach  the  Gospel  in  the  waste 
places  of  our  own  land,  or  to  carry  the  good  news  to  the  heathen. 

We  have,  also,  many  opportunities,  to  devote  our  property  and 
talents  to  Christ.  There  are  numerous  Institutions  and  Societies 
established  among  us,  for  the  relief  of  the  temporal  and  spiritual 
wants  of  the  human  family.  These  are  so  many  agents,  appointed 
by  Christ,  to  receive  whatever  we  have  ability  and  a heart  to  be- 
stow. Thus  the  Lord  is  giving  us  abundant  opportunity  to  advance 
his  cause.  While  the  wise  men  were  obliged  to  travel  to  a distant 
and  foreign  country,  that  they  might  present  their  offerings  to 
Christ,  the  channels  in  which  ours  may  be  conveyed  to  him,  run  by 
our  very  doors.  With  great  ease,  we  may  cast  “ our  bread  upon  the 
waters,”  with  the  certainty,  that  we  “ shall  find  it  after  many  days.” 

If  then  Christ  is  worthy, — if  he  has  a right  to  all  that  we  have, — 
if  he  has  done  so  much  for  us  as  we  have  seen, — and  if  he  is  able  and 
willing  to  repay  us  ; how  thankfully,  and  promptly,  should  we  im- 
prove our  opportunities  of  doing  all  in  our  power  for  his  cause.  We 
should  do  it  with  thankfulness,  because  we  may  do  it  with  so  much 
convenience,  and  with  such  high  hopes.  With  promptness,  because 
life  is  uncertain.  A little  delay,  and  we  may  have  no  opportunity 


24 


forever,  to  give  any  thing  to  Christ.  And  who  could  bear  the 
thought  of  going  from  a Gospel  land  to  his  bar,  without  first  giving 
his  all  to  him  ? Who  could  bear  the  thought  of  leaving  this  world, 
without  first  doing  something  for  the  spread  of  his  kingdom  in  it  ? 
And  this  I say,  brethren,  the  time  for  these  great  and  glorious  pur- 
poses is  short.  “ The  fathers,  where  are  they  ?”  Where  are  Elliot 
and  Brainerd, — Vanderkemp  and  Swartz, — Cran  and  Desgranges  ? 
Men  u of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy.”  Where  is  that  amia- 
ble and  devoted  female,  whose  “ bones  have  taken  possession  of  the 
promised  land,  and  rest  in  glorious  hope  of  the  final,  and  universal 
triumph  of  Jesus,  over  the  gods  of  this  world  ?”  Where  is  he,  who 
but  a few  years  since,  made  “ Christian  Research  in  Asia  ?”  and 
recalled  the  attention  of  the  Christian  world  to  the  “ Star  in  the 
East  ?”  Where  is  Buchanan,  the  friend  of  missions  and  the  friend 
of  man ; who  gave  his  time,  and  talents,  and  property,  and  life,  and 
soul  to  Christ  ? They  are  gone  : all  gone.  Their  lives  are  spent. 
Their  work  is  done.  Their  bodies  are  where  ours  will  soon  be, 
slumbering  in  the  dust.  And  their  souls,  we  trust,  are  with  Him, 
whom  the  wise  men  worshipped,  and  to  whom  they  offered  their 
gifts.  Would  we  participate  their  blessedness,  let  us  imbibe  their 
spirit.  Let  us  love  and  worship  Christ,  and  opening  our  treasures 
of  precious  things  before  him,  entreat  his  acceptance  of  all  that  wc 
have  and  are. 

To  the  Society,  now  convened,  I would  address  a few  words. 

Brethren  of  the  Maine  Missionary  Society  : The  object  of  your 
association  is  one  of  the  most  important,  which  can  engage  the  at- 
tention of  man.  It  is,  that  you  may  unitedly  advance  the  kingdom 
and  glory  of  Christ;  and  be  a medium,  through  which,  others  may 
engage  in  the  same  great  work.  Many  of  you,  I trust,  feel  that  no 
sacrifices  or  offerings  in  your  power,  are  too  valuable  to  be  appro- 
priated for  this  end.  And,  permit  me  to  ask,  have  you  ever 
been  sorry,  that  you  engaged  in  this  work  ? Rather  has  it  not  been 
to  you  a source  of  great  satisfaction  ? Do  any  of  you  feel,  this  day, 
the  pooi  er,  for  all  the  offerings,  which  you  have  presented  to  Christ  ? 
Rather,  has  not  u He  that  ministereth  seed  to  the  sower,  minister- 
ed bread  for  your  food  and  multiplied  your  seed  sown  ?” 

This  is  your  tenth  anniversary  ; and  the  great  object  still  needs' 
your  aid.  Christ  is  still  as  worthy,  as  on  ft lie  day  your  Society  was" 


23 


formed.  Instead  of  discontinuing  your  efforts,  you  need  to  increase 
them  ; for  notwithstanding  all  that  has  been  done,  the  number  of 
those,  destitute  of  the  Gospel  in  this  District,  is,  it  is  feared,  every 
year  increasing. 

In  view,  therefore,  of  the  character  and  claims  of  Christ,  his  abil- 
ity and  readiness  to  repay  whatever  is  devoted  to  him  ; and,  es- 
pecially, in  view  of  what  he  has  wrought  for  your  souls  ; permit 
me  to  ask  ; Have  you  done,  and  are  you  doing,  as  much  as  you 
ought,  for  him  and  his  cause  ? Can  you  not  give  him  more  of  your 
affections  and  talents  ? Have  you  no  friends,  whom  you  may  bring 
forward  to  be  educated  as  “ ambassadors  for  Christ  ?”  Can  you 
afford  him  no  more  of  pecuniary  aid  ? Are  your  lives  and  souls  suf- 
ficiently devoted  to  him  ? In  a word,  have  you  given  as  much  to 
him,  and  done  as  much  for  him,  as  you  will  judge  proper  in  the  final 
day,  or  a thousand  years  hence  ? 

My  Fathers  and  Brethren,  in  the  Ministry  : From  us,  much  is  ex- 
pected in  regard  to  that  “ kingdom,  that  shall  never  be  destroyed.” 
The  obligations,  which  lie  upon  us  are  peculiarly  solemn  and  great. 
How’ever  the  world  may  feel,  all  that  we  possess  should  be  placed 
at  the  complete  disposal  of  him,  whom  we  “ call  Master  and  Lord.” 
And  have  we  done  all  in  our  power  for  his  glory  P Can  we  render 
him  no  more  services  of  any  description  ? If  we  can,  O let  us  not 
be  backward  ; for  the  work  is  good.  Let  the  powers  of  our  minds 
be  devoted  to  him,  by  employing  them  in  devising  ways  and  means 
of  extending  his  kingdom,  and  saving  souls.  Let  us  look  round  on 
our  possessions,  and  see  if  there  is  not  yet  some  precious  thing, 
which  we  may  devote  to  him.  Let  us  look  into  our  churches,  and 
see  if  we  have  no  living  sacrifices  there  ; no  lambs  of  our  flock$ 
which  we  may  give  to  Christ.  Are  they  valuable  ? So  much  the 
more  lit  to  be  presented  to  him.  The  lame  and  the  blind  he  re- 
quires not,  and  cannot  accept ; for  he  is  a Great  King.  He  is 
a king  in  Zion,”  and  the  richest  substance  and  brightest  ornaments 
of  the  church  are  his.  Let  us  then  open  this  cabinet  of  living  treas- 
ure, and  esteem  no  jewel  too  precious,  to  adorn  the  brow  of  him, 
who  for  us  was  crowned  with  thorns. 

A word  to  this  assembly  will  conclude. 

An  opportunity,  my  hearers,  is  about  to  be  presented  you,  for 
<Tbntributing  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  It  appears,  also,  that  nothing 
4 


26 


is  too  precious  to  be  thus  devoted.  You  are  this  day  called  to  ded- 
icate  yourselves,  and  all  that  you  have  to  him. 

But  there  are  some  present,  1 fear,  who  have  never  yet  given  ei- 
ther their  affections,  or  their  souls,  to  Christ.  They  possess  neither 
holy  love,  nor  saving  faith.  Such  of  you  have  been  seeking  happi- 
ness all  your  days,  but  in  vain.  You  have  found  no  adequate  ob- 
ject, on  which  to  place  your  affections  : no  being,  to  whom  you  can 
safely  give  your  souls.  You  have  spent  your  “ money  for  that 
which  is  not  bread.”  Permit  me  to  exhort  you,  on  this  interesting 
occasion.  “ Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that  are  in  the 
world.”  Seek  not  your  portion  here  ; but  turn  your  backs  upon 
the  objects  of  time.  Forsake  the  “ paths  of  the  destroyer,”  set 
your  faces  toward  Jerusalem,  and  let  your  inquiry  henceforth  be, 
“ Where  is  He  that  is  born  king  in  Zion  ?”  FoHow  the  light  of 
truth,  till  you  find  him  ; and  having  found,  fall  down  and  worship 
him.  Present  him  the  sacrifice  of  a penitent,  broken  heart ; an  of- 
fering, more  precious  in  his  eyes,  than  “gold, and  frankincense,  and 
myrrh.”  In  view  of  his  character,  and  works,  and  of  your  own  ne- 
cessities, take  him  for  your  king,  and  serve  him  faithfully  forever. 

From  our  subject,  it  appears,  that  whatever  is  appropriated  for 
the  benefit  of  the  friends  of  Christ,  or  to  advance  the  interests  of 
his  kingdom,  is  given  to  him.  How  loudly,  then,  are  we  called  up- 
on this  day  for  our  offerings  ! What  an  opportunity  have  we  to  en- 
gage in  spreading  his  kingdom  ! “ In  the  District  of  Maine,”  for 
whose  benefit  our  Missionary  Society  was  formed,  there  are  “ two 
hundred  towns  and  plantations,  destitute  of  regular,  settled  minis- 
ters.” In  these  places,  are  “ one  hundred  and  eighteen  thousand 
souls,”  without  stated  and  suitable  religious  instruetion.  This  pap 
illation  is  generally  scattered  and  poor ; and  their  children  arc 
growing  up,  in  a great  degree  ignorant  of  God  and  his  sacred  truth. 

And  in  these  new  and  scattered  settlements,  are  a considerable 
number  of  the  true  friends  of  Christ,  who  though  rich  in  faith  are 
yet  poor  in  temporal  things.  They  are  also  hungry  for  the  bread  of 
life,  and  have  none  to  feed  them.  These  poor  and  destitute  disci- 
ples of  Jesus,  whom  the  Providence  of  God  has  located  in  our  wil- 
derness, have  strong  claims  on  those,  who  are  favored  with  the  Gos- 
pel, and  who  possess  the  means  of  imparting  it  to  others.  Those  of 
us,  who  are  thus  favored,  must  do  something  for  them.  The  Savior 
requires  it.  Withholding  our  assistance  from  them , is  withholding. 


21 


it  from  him.  They  “ are  the  body  of  Christ  and  members  in  par 
ticular.”  And  if  we,  who  have  ability  to  relieve  them,  refuse  out 
aid,  will  not  their  friend  and  Lord  upbraid  us  in  the  final  day, 
saying,  “ 1 was  hungry  and  ye  gave  me  no  meat,  1 was  thirsty  and 
ye  gave  me  no  drink  ?”  And  pointing  to  them,  will  he  not  add, 
« Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to  one  of  the  least  of  these,  ye  did  it 
not  unto  me  P” 

There  are  also,  in  all  probability,  in  our  new  towns  and  planta- 
tions, multitudes,  yet  in  their  sins  ; going  fast  to  their  final  account, 
and  have  none  to  warn  them  of  their  danger.  Much  is  done  for  the 
dying  heathen,  and  it  is  to  be  ardently  hoped,  that  exertions  in 
their  behalf  will  be  greatly  increased.  But  shall  we,  in  the  mean 
time,  be  regardless  of  the  misery  of  those,  who  are  perishing  at  out- 
doors ? Shall  their  spiritual  wants  call  in  vain  for  our  help  ? We 
certainly  possess  the  means  of  helping  them,  and  shall  we  hold 
what  we  have,  with  the  iron  grasp  of  avarice,  and  let  them  die  ? 
“ Whoso  stoppeth  his  ears  at  the  cry  of  the  poor,  shall  cry  himself 
and  shall  not  be  heard.”  Can  we,  then,  see  them  thus  destitute, 
and  perishing,  for  w hose  souls  the  Savior  freely  shed  his  blood  ; and 
attempt  nothing  for  their  relief  ? JV*e,  ire  cannot. 

In  view  of  this  whole  subject,  then,  let  us  resolve,  that  none  of 
the  members  of  “ the  household  of  faith,”  shall,  through  our  fault, 
sit  in  sorrow,  and  pine  in  spiritual  want. — And  let  us  resolve,  also, 
that  if  we  must  meet  the  lost  souls  of  our  new  settlements  at  the 
bar  of  God,  it  shall  not  be  found,  that  they  perished  through  our 
neglect. 

In  the  name,  then,  of  the  poor  of  Christ’s  flock,  and  the  children 
which  God  has  given  them  : — In  the  name  of  a hundred  thousand 
fellow  creatures,  destitute  of  the  Gospel,  w:hose  souls  are  as  precious 
as  our  own  ; — In  the  name  of  him,  who  is  w orthy  of  all  that  we  can 
bestow, — who  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth  “for  himself ,” — 
wTho  “ tasted  death  for  every  man  — In  the  name  of  him,  who  will 
abundantly  repay  all  that  is  given  for  the  happiness  of  his  friends, 
or  the  advancement  of  his  kingdom,  I now’  ask  you  for  your  contri- 
butions. 

First  of  all,  then,  set  your  love  upon  Christ,  and  place  your  souls 
in  his  hands.  Then  open  your  treasures  and  present  your  gifts; 
either  copper,  or  silver,  or  gold,  or  paper,  as  God  hath  put  in  your 
power. 


28 


And  in  order  to  determine  how  much  you  shall  give,  ask  yqm-- 
selves  how  much  He  is  worthy  of  ? How  much  of  what  you  have  is 
already  his  own  by  right  of  creation  P How  much  you  actually  owe 
him  for  what  lie  has  done  for  you  ? How  much  his  ability  and  faith- 
fulness will  enable  him  to  repay  ? And  looking  forward  to  that 
day,  when  an  account  of  your  stewardship  will  be  required,  ask 
yourselves,  how  much  you  will  then  wish  you  had  given  ? In  a 
word,  in  view  of  the  merits,  the  claims,  the  favors,  and  the  faith- 
fulness of  Christ,  and  of  your  own  future  and  eternal  state,  ask 
yourselves,  how  much  you  shall  contribute  on  this  occasion  ? And 
whatever  your  consciences,  or  love,  or  gratitude,  or  mercy  for  the 
perishing  poor,  shall  suggest  to  you  to  give,  that  bestow  and 
nothing  less.  And,  soon  or  late,  you  will  find,  that  u He  is 
faithful  that  promised  for  he  will  surely  pay  you  again.  And 
what  you  contribute,  let  it  not  be  done  with  a cold  heart,  and  a re- 
luctant hand ; but  “ freely  ye  have  received  ; freely  give.”  And 
let  those,  who  have  nothing  else  to  bestow,  at  least  give  us  their 
prayers,  that  the  collections  of  this  day,  may  be  instrumental  of 
comforting  the  destitute  among  the  children  of  God,  and  of  saving 
souls  from  death* 

And  while  we  are  presenting  our  gifts,  let  us  all  “ rejoice  with 
exceeding  great  joy,”  in  him,  who  was  born  “ in  the  city  of  David,” 
and  fervently  pray,  that  He  would  graciously  accept,  both  us  and 
our  offerings. 


i 


